Discovering the Mayas

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An important feature of Mexico´s past belongs to the Mayas. If you go to the Yucatan, Chichen Itza is a necessary tourist attraction because it is not only a spectacular archeological site but it gives you a fascinating insight into a culture that was around for three thousand years until it was dominated by the Conquistadores.

One word of warning : for some strange reason, most tours arrive at Chichen Itza at approximately 1.30p.m. It was almost a torture, walking around in the blistering heat of early afternoon and I have absolutely no idea why we didn´t set off earlier from Merida.

It was almost a torture, walking around in the blistering heat of early afternoon

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Unfortunately, my weariness influenced how interested I was in the ruins. In the heat, I just wanted shade and to get away from the hordes and hordes of mostly American tourists. I didn´t want to walk around but do what normal, sane people do in the heat: find somewhere cool and have a siesta. That´s not too much of a bizarre idea, especially in Mexico, is it?

This site was voted the fifth wonder of the world, and with good reason. The Mayas were masters of constructing pyramids and manipulating acoustics. I was particularly impressed by the ball pitch for this reason. If you clap in the middle of it, the sound resonates across the pitch. The priests who sat at one end of the huge pitch, could communicate with the nobles, who sat at the other end, simply by shouting across. There is nothing awesome about shouting, but when you see how big the pitch is and you hear the effects of the acoustics, you understand what talented engineers the Mayas were.

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The pyramids, such as the `Temple of the Jaguar´, were very impressive. Stairs lead to the top of the pyramid but unfortunately, you cannot ascend. The observatory was also intriguing as it looks like a building that could easily have been built in our modern day.

Unfortunately, I can´t remember anything else and to be honest, given the fact that I was so hot and I really didn´t want to be walking around in the jungle at that time of day, I found it difficult to concentrate on the guide´s explanations. It is amazing to see and I feel ashamed that I didn´t take it more seriously. You should, but just make sure you do so when its cooler.

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I would recommend taking a tour to Chichen Itza from Merida as it is about the same price as if you do it independently, but you also get the guide included and your lunch. I usually hate these tours with a passion because they give you such an unnecessary sugar coated view of a country. This tour however, is great if you want convenience and you can also get dropped off in Canccun or Playa del Carmen.